Hey Sandras: Yes they put in a chest tube after lung surgery. IT'S how you drain fluids and heal from your surgery. So you just endure the discomfort. I had it for three days and then went home. Try to focus on healing. Ask for help from the medical staff if necessary. You take care.
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March 22
Will you need a chest tube after lung cancer surgery?
Yes, it's very common to have a chest tube after lung cancer surgery. The tube helps drain fluid and clear air leaks from your lungs while you recover. It's typically removed about a week after surgery, once the fluid drainage decreases and your lungs are no longer Show Full Answer
Will you need a chest tube after lung cancer surgery?
Yes, it's very common to have a chest tube after lung cancer surgery. The tube helps drain fluid and clear air leaks from your lungs while you recover. It's typically removed about a week after surgery, once the fluid drainage decreases and your lungs are no longer leaking air. Most people go home from the hospital on the same day their chest tube is removed.
What's recovery like?
Recovery varies depending on the type of surgery you have:
- Hospital stay: Expect 5-7 days for open surgery (thoracotomy) or 2-3 days for minimally invasive surgery (VATS)
- At-home recovery: Usually takes several weeks to months
- Common experiences: You'll likely feel tired for 1-2 months, and your chest may be stiff and swollen for about 6 weeks
During recovery, you can expect:
- Shortness of breath initially
- Deep breathing exercises to help your lungs heal
- Some pain at the incision site (less with VATS, more with open surgery)
- Encouragement to walk and move around to prevent blood clots
A MyLungCancerTeam member shared: "My body is still adapting to one lung, but I find I'm less short of breath. I think it's just a matter of time to feel mostly normal."
Your healthcare team will monitor you closely and provide pain medication as needed.
March 8
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